"Forever greatful to have been a friend of Ms. Elizabeth, our hearts are saddened."
In loving memory of
Dr. Elizabeth M. Lyons
December 1, 1940 - June 14, 2010
Dr. Elizabeth M. Lyons was born on December 1, 1940 in Riverview (Valley), Alabama to LaFayette and Lottie McCarton. She passed surrounded by those who cherished her on Monday, June 14, 2010.
Dr. Lyons was a lifelong educator who dedicated her professional career to teaching. She and her sisters were the first African Americans from Riverview to go to college which contributed to the high value she placed on education. She earned a B.S. degree in elementary education from Alabama State University. Continuing her education at the University of Georgia, she earned a M. Ed. degree in Early Childhood Education. In 1982, Dr. Lyons earned a Ed. D. degree in Education Administration from Atlanta University. Working in the school system throughout her college career and beyond, Dr. Lyons held a multitude of positions including; staff development, teacher, and principal. One her proudest accomplishment was helping to integrate the Clayton County school system as one of the first African American teachers. She retired from the Atlanta Public School System as Principal of C.W. Hill Elementary in 2000.
She was the grateful mother of one son, Minister Jerome Brown who resides in Atlanta.
Returning to Valley in 2000, Dr. Lyons went to work in her beloved hometown. One of her most endeared projects was researching the black history of Valley. She met and talked with people compiling a database base that she eventually wanted to turn into a book. She loved people and her wisdom, patience, and compassion endeared people to her. Always wanting to improve the life of people, she entered into the political arena and was elected as the District 4 Representative on city council.
Her many affiliations included: Alabama Silver Legislature, Alabama Rural Action Committee, Southern Union State College Foundation Board, Finance Committee -- Valley, Public Health and Safety Committee (Chair), Events Committee (Chair), Recreation Committee, Valley Historic Preservation Commissioner -- Former, Council's Liaison, VHPC Commission, City of Valley Black History Committee (Chair), Valley Senior Center's Advisory and Screening committee, Valley Zoning Board of Adjustments, Valley Vision Committee, Valley's Minority Affairs Advisory Committee (Chair), Co-Author, "Birth of A City" Story of the incorporation of the City of Valley, Valley Community Development Corporation -- Advisory Member, Valley Haven Quality Enhancement Committee (President), Alabama Democratic Conference - Member.
Most importantly, Dr. Lyons was a born again Christian who knew without doubt that she was saved by the blood of Jesus. She was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Lanett, Alabama (Pastor Frank Kennedy, Jr.). Although she relocated to Valley, she cherished Salem Bible Church, Atlanta, Georgia (Sr. Pastor Jasper Williams, Jr. and Pastor Joe Williams) and The Church of Gwinnett, Norcross, Ga. (Pastor Jasper Williams III). It was not uncommon for Dr. Lyons to support other churches and pastors in Valley, Lanett, West Point, and surrounding areas.
Dr. Lyons is survived by her only child, Min. Melvin Jerome Brown; a sister, Mrs. Roberta Williams-Todd (Dr. Ben Todd); one brother-n-law, Pastor Jasper Williams, Jr., one niece, Mrs. Charmine Johnson (Chad); 3 nephews: Mr. Reuben Brown (Donna), Pastor Jasper Williams III (Alecia), Pastor Joe Williams; great nieces and nephews: Chase Alexander Johnson, Chandler Timothy Johnson, Ashley Lynn Brown, Christopher Jordan Brown, Jordan Alyse Williams, and Jasper Williams IV; extended family: Oscar Cook, Kevin Cook (Michelle -- Katherine), Wanda Cook; and a host of loving and very special cousins, other family and friends.
Interment: Fairview Cemetery In Valley
Tributes
"With Love, The Pace Family"
"I knew Liz through our work as national facilitators in helping children throughout this country. She was a wonderful individual who touched the lives of many including myself. I learned so much from her and know we all will remember her fondly."
"For the past forty years, Liz was my dear friend. We shared glad tidings, a warm friendship, and sometimes heartbreaks, but through it all our friendship was strong, loving and caring and I shall miss her and our long telephone conversations immensely."
"Dear Lord,our life did not begin with our birth.It began in your Spirit before the foundations of the earth was formed.Dr Lyons spirit was there also.Now she has returned to you,however her spirit will be in our hearts until we see her again. Ben and Roberta Todd"
"I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands."
"To Minister Jerome, Roberta and the rest of the family. Dr. Lyons was a beautiful lady who never failed to let you know whose side she was on. My daughter grew up in Salem and most of all under her during those crucial years in her life that played an inticate part in her development, and for that I am very grateful. She will be greatly missed and forever embedded in our thoughts. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Videssa A. Woods"
"My deepest sympathy goes out to Minister Brown and the family of my dear friend Dr. Lyons,may God comfort you as only he can.Dr. Lyons will truly be missed by my husband and me.She was such a sweet person.God bless you."
"To a special lady,I worked under her leadership in the youth dept. at salem bible church, always professional as well as kind to everyone,special condolences to her family, Jerome,the williams, todd, browns and johnsons."
"Our condolences to Jerome and the Lyons family."
"MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. Dr. Lyons is now in perfect peace. May the love you shared with her and the memories of her you hold forever in your hearts bring you the peace that passes all understanding. "
"We met you on several occasions when you visited Roberta and Dr. Todd here in Atlanta. We remember your radiant spirit,warm smile and always pleasant demeanor. You touched so many lives. Now , may you rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for you have earned your wings. "
"She had such a wonderful spirit that we are all better off just because we were able to be in her presence, even if it was just for a moment. She has finished her work and now she is doing what we all must be prepared to do one day; rest, wonderful rest in the arms of our Lord and our Saviour Jesus Christ."
"While I have never met Dr. Lyons, I have heard of her many accomplishments from her sister Roberta. I know it is hard to lose a loved one, but take comfort in the fact your mother and sister lived life everyday. She remained strong and true to her faith throughout her illness. Dr. Lyons will be missed but not forgotten, You are in my prayers, Julie Jones Friend of the family Atlanta Georgia "
"We have lost a great lady and a good friend. Dr. Lyons was a peson whom you can say "the world was a better place because she was born." She left a legacy that will be remembered. Condolences to her family. Dr. & Mrs. Charles S. Otto"
"A bright light dimmed, but will never be forgotten."For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens,II Corinth. 5:1 Luv you Liz"
"May God continue to be with the family of Dr. Lyons."
"YOU GO GIRL! NOW YOU REALY GOT A GRADUATION. YOUR MASTER'S DEGREE WITH THE MASTER."
"Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. You will be truly missed. "
""She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26 It is my prayer that you will always be comforted by the sweet memories you have of your Mom, Sister and Aunt. Liz was truly a blessing in our lives. We will always remember her for her wisdom and beautiful smile. Whatever we can do for you, we are just a phone call away. "
"To the Family of Elizabeth Lyons, Betty and I are in Florida and will be unable to attend the services of our friend, but would like to express our condolences and love for Elizabeth. She was a great asset to our community and will be a great loss to us but she knew her Lord and Savior and that is the most important thing we can say about her. We highly respected her and she will be missed by us and all of those who loved her. Her leadership in this community was truly a great asset and a void will be left with her departure. We send our love and admiration for Dr. Lyons and our condolences to the family. With love, Betty and Smith Lanier"
"I was really saddened to learn of Aunt Liz's illness and death. I feel like she was my Aunt Liz too. We wish the family God's comfort and peace as you say goodbye for now."
"Dr. Lyons, I light this candle in your memory. The world is a brighter place because of your presence and the legacy you leave behind."
"I knew Elizabeth as a City Council Woman for Valley, Alabama. What a special lady she was. She will certainly be missed. John Ben Jones "
"Our prayers are with you and your family.The memories of her will always be cherished."
"You are my other mother! A life well lived...a battle well fought! "
"My condolences to Jerome and the entire Lyons Family... I grew up in Salem under the teachings of such a great lady, Dr. Lyons who played and avid role in the Youth Department in the '80s and '90's. I will forever love her and miss her. My prayers are with the family. Kelvin A. Manson"
"My condolences to Jerome and the entire Lyons Family... I grew up in Salem under the teachings of such a great lady, Dr. Lyons who played and avid role in the Youth Department in the '80s and '90's. I will forever love her and miss her. My prayers are with the family."
"I did not know Elizabeth but wow what a beautiful woman! My heart goes out to the family and friends and MY dear friend Dr. Ben Todd and most of all to his wife. Cindy Sedran"
"Well Done thy good and faithful servant, now take you rest in the arms of the Master who has prepared a special place for you. We light this candle for you because we know without a doubt that your light will shine forever in the hearts of your family, friends and others your purpose filled life has reached as you followed the TRUE LIGHT of the WORLD!"
"Elizabeth, tribute to the person we remember as a loving, caring and kind person. My son and I enjoyed the moments we shared and talks we had with her. She always had encouraging words, great support and a person of her word. We grew up as neighbors in Riverview; we left home and returned to Riverview as neighbors. We will miss you, Miss Elizabeth. Gloria Chambers Bailey and son, Cedric Chambers "
"A great lady. She was always pleasant to be around. I got to know her through Project Leadership. In everything she did, she was a professional and always courteous and polite. She was an excellent example of a child who was raised in the proper path."
"God bless you Aunt Liz. I will see you, Mommy, Daddy,Grandmama and Granddaddy again. I love you.."